Join us on an unforgettable photography tour through the heart of Central Java, where dramatic landscapes and ancient wonders await. This journey is designed to showcase the very best of the region — from the iconic, smoking crater of Mount Bromo to the towering beauty of Mount Merapi, and the otherworldly magic of the De Djawatan forest.
Expect a rich variety of subjects: cascading waterfalls, centuries-old temples, lush jungles, and, of course, some of the most photogenic volcanoes on Earth. Central Java offers an unmatched density of spectacular scenery, making it a paradise for landscape photographers.
We’ll spend a full week (and a bit more!) immersing ourselves in this visual feast. The following itinerary mirrors the route of my recent scouting trip — and with the right light and timing, you’ll capture images every bit as powerful, if not better.
Day 1, 1 September 2026
Arrival to Java, Yogyakarta airport on any flight before 7 p.m. Our driver will pick you up and transfer to our hotel in Yogyakarta (1 h transfer). In the evening we have welcome dinner together. It is just a meeting day so you can relax after your flight. We recommend to take direct flight from Jakarta or from Bali Denpasar airport by Garuda Indonesia with arrival at 12:50 to Yogyakarta YIA airport.
Day 2
At sunrise we visit Prambanan ancient temple. And after the breakfast visit cave with rays where at certain time of the day we can observe light rays falling down..
For sunset get ready for Waterfalls around Yogja with beautiful Merapi on the background. Back to hotel at Yogyakarta after sunset.
Day 3
Today we devote to visits of wonderful places around Merapi volcano. There are plently of spectacular waterfalls. Merapi is erupting with lava flow from time to time, but it is quite rare to catch! We also visit cool villages like Nepal Van Java!
Day 4
We’ll photograph Borobudur temple from the distance using telephoto lens.
Located on the island of Java, the magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument.
The temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Built between AD 780 and 840 during the reign of Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India’s influence on the region. However, there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. It is no wonder that Borobudur is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
After sunrise at the viewpoint to the temple we go back to hotel to check out. Transfer to Trawas later in the afternoon and sunset in the rice fields of Trawas.
Day 5
As our hotel will be located at Trawas, south from Surabaya – we will be able to shoot our sunrise in this pristine area at rice fields! After the breakfast at hotel we depart to Bromo!
Today we drive to Bromo volcano, the true highlight of entire trip. First sight of Bromo will be from our hotel located just on the rim overlooking Bromo volcanic caldera.
At 2,392 meters high, Mount Bromo is not amongst the tallest of Indonesia’s mountains but its stunning beauty lies in its incredible setting. Located some 4 hours drive from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java, Mount Bromo is part of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park that covers a huge area of 800 sq km.
Standing majestically inside the huge caldera of the once ancient Mount Tengger, Mount Bromo is surrounded by a vast stretching sea of volcanic sand that radiated a certain mystical beauty. Mount Bromo and the Tengger area is also the home of the Tengger sub-ethnic group who still preserve their age-old traditions and way of life. Here, you can observe the unique indigenous culture and traditions of the ‘Tenggerese’ including their rituals and ceremonies.
Day 6
The ultimate attraction and the reason why photographers travel from far and wide to Mount Bromo is its spectacular sunrise. From a vantage point the sun rises magnificently and hot majestic Mount Bromo with first rays, while the surrounding mountain ranges create an almost surreal atmosphere. It takes about a little over an hour to drive to this vantage point. No hiking involved – we drive to the most spectacular viewpoint. The sun rises at about 5.30am
After sunrise we will photograph horses with local riders in the dust rays at the Sea of Sands. In the afternoon we have some rest after intense morning adventure, staying in a wonderful hotel on a Bromo crater rim.
Day 7
Today we travel to another Epic place of Java – Tumpak Sewu!
Tumpak Sewu – it is a true “Niagara” of Java island. Spectacular waterfall leading deep into the canyon. Today photoshoot depends on weather/driving times as it gets cloudy sometimes but we have options for many other waterfalls in the area or viewpoints towards Semeru.
Day 8
Today we shoot sunrise at the most Epic place of Java – Tumpak Sewu!
Here you have an option to fly a drone to get the shot like on the cover or also optionally go down to the valley of the waterfalls to shoot cascades. Hiking down is not that much but sometimes steep steps made from bamboo fencing. Overall it is really worth visiting the canyon under the waterfall, just be ready with camera rain protection!
After our morning walk we return back to hotel for breakfast, repack, have shower and depart to East Java, Banyuwangi! In the evening we will settle to our accommodation for 2 nights. The driving time today is 6 hours but we will break it up with lunch&rest stops.
Day 9
Wake up to fantastic scenery of Volcanic crater fields. Easily accessible viewpoint looking over beautiful craters all over landscape of East Java.
Back to hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon Departure to ijen crater. There are option to hike 1-2 hour or take the cart transfer – so you will be carried in a wheel cart by locals to the top of crater rim. Sunset with a special permit arranged for a group on a crater rim of ijen. The scenery is amazing here with many twisted dead trees on top of the crater rim. Descend down same way by cart or hiking 1-2 h. There is an option to skip the hiking to ijen and visit more beautiful spots in the area accessible from the car parking.
Day 10, 10 September
Sunrise and morning first light in De Djawatan magical forest. You will feel here like a TRex is about to show up from the hairy mossy trees. Just after sunrise you can either catch the direct flight to Jakarta at 10:55 am (30 min away from De Djawatan is Banyuwangi airport) or we can arrange the transfer for you to Bali island (4-5 hours by private car, not covered by the tour package). The tour finishes at Banyuwangi airport
Pricing:
Total price: 6900 USD per person twin share
Single supplement: 900 USD
Maximum Number of Participants: 10
Difficulty: easy
Tour includes:
- Accommodation double/twin rooms sharing (singles available upon request with single supplement),
- Breakfasts
- all transportation during the tour, excluding air tickets
- photography tuition,
- entrance fees and all local taxes, except entrance to Borobudur temple which is optional (we shoot it from outside mostly).
Not included in the price:
– Airfare
– Visas (if applicable)
– Single supplement
– Meals (Lunches, Dinners)
– Entrance to Borobudur temple
What to bring
Gear:
– camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
– Set of filters: ND 3, 6, 10 stop and CPL filters
Tour leaders
Stanley Aryanto
In a short 3 years, he won over 100 international awards, being published in magazines like Canadian Geographic, and exhibited all around the world.
Growing up in a struggling family where his parents used to earn $10/month working tirelessly round the clock away from home to make ends meet.
Stanley’s journey started in Bandung, Indonesia. Driven by status quo, culture and environment the only way he know how to be successful in life was to go to a good school get good grades, graduate and get a good job.
Now Stanley has helped thousands of photographers to pursue their passion in photography and to share/inspire others through his journey and adventures.
He moved to Australia to study engineering & got a big job working with metals for a huge company. Life seemed set. Comfortable paycheck, fancy things – he had it all. But deep down, he lost his passion in life.
Agung Odi
Travel and Landscape photographer, local guide from Bali.
